The only firm dates on Wagner’s schedule were more rehab assignments yesterday and tomorrow in Florida, which would be the sixth and seventh such appearances since his comeback from Tommy John elbow surgery 11 months ago.

Wagner pitched one scoreless inning last night in Port St. Lucie against the Astros for the Mets’ Single-A Gulf Coast League team.

“It’s possible he could be back [in the majors soon], but it could be he continues on after these two [rehab appearances] if he feels like he needs more time,” assistant general manager John Ricco said.

Ricco, though, admitted that Wagner’s return probably will be sooner rather than later. “He’s obviously getting close because he’s been out there for a while,” Ricco said.

The Mets are open to trading Wagner, whose option for 2010 isn’t being picked up. Wagner still can be moved while on the disabled list, though other clubs likely would want to see him pitch in the majors before making a deal.

Even so, Ricco sounded as if the Mets aren’t going to rush Wagner back.

“The most important thing is that he comes back and pitches healthy because he’s going to be of no value to anybody if he’s not healthy,” Ricco said.

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Stung by intense fan criticism since the opening of Citi Field, the Mets announced that they have begun installing large pictures of their team’s famous players and historic moments on the Field and Promenade levels.

Club officials also are ordering the display of team championship banners on the left-field wall, perhaps in time for this weekend’s series with the Giants.

The Wilpons have been hearing complaints all season about the lack of Mets history reflected at the new park. The backlash was intensified by Fred Wilpon’s decision as a childhood Brooklyn Dodgers fan to construct the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, complete with several prominent nods to the Dodgers.

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Jerry Manuel said he is “still sleeping” on whether to yank Livan Hernandez from the rotation, though the Mets’ manager appears to be leaning toward a move.

Manuel had a closed-door meeting with Hernandez, and said he plans to reveal his decision tomorrow when the Mets open a four-game series with the Giants. The club is off today.

Manuel has mentioned Nelson Figueroa or Tim Redding as the two likeliest candidates to replace Hernandez.

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The Mets will wear throwback uniforms for three games this weekend that were modeled after the New York baseball Giants’ turn-of-the-century outfits.

The cream-colored jerseys, which will later be auctioned for charity, feature an oversized blue “NY” on the front, blue-and-orange piping on the sleeves and a Mr. Met patch on the right sleeve.